JP2009056046A - Ecological bag and information management system using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ecological bag capable of achieving reduction of plastic shopping bags for protecting environment and resources inexpensively and practically by using IC chips by a simple structure and to provide an information management system utilizing the same because the conventional point service for the purpose of reducing plastic shopping bags is not popular because of the cost for construction of a system or facility necessary for the issue of point cards, the cost to be borne by a shop if a prescribed amount of money is discounted from the purchase price according to the accumulated points, or the manpower necessary for the operation on the shop side accompanying the point service, or such inconvenience that a user has to carry a plurality of point cards if different point services are adopted by different shops. <P>SOLUTION: An IC chip mounting medium, in which an IC chip having a recording function to record the number of times of using of an ecological bag is mounted, is attached to the ecological bag. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an eco bag capable of realizing plastic bag reduction for environmental protection and resource protection with a simple configuration at low cost and immediately, and an information management system using the eco bag.

  In recent years, for the purpose of preventing global warming, protecting the environment, protecting resources, and raising the awareness of the global environment, shopping bags called eco bags and their own bags have been used as shopping bags. Yes.

  Eco bags are used by consumers instead of bags made of polyethylene, etc., called plastic bags for storing purchased products at supermarkets, convenience stores, other retail stores, and retail stores. Although it is a shopping bag, by repeatedly using it, a plastic bag becomes unnecessary and the plastic bag can be reduced.

However, even though global warming is steadily progressing as a realistic thing, eco bags are still used only by some environmentally conscious people and are widely used by general consumers. It is hard to say that it is popular.
In addition, because the price of plastic bags is transferred to the price of the products being sold, there is a need for consumers who use eco bags without using plastic bags at all and consumers who use plastic bags a lot. There is a problem of unfairness between the two.
For this reason, the spread of eco-bags as soon as possible is desired, and at the same time, it is desired not only to some consumers but also to spread to the entire consumer. PR and projects have been carried out, and inventions related to this have been made.

For example, in Patent Document 1 below, while promoting the reduction of plastic bags as a resource-saving resource for merchandise distribution, the resource results can be distributed to any of users, shops, and manufacturers / distributors constituting the distribution cycle. An invention relating to a resource saving service for providing a resource service, a shopping bag used therefor, and a user identification method therefor is disclosed.
The present invention is a resource saving service that distributes resource saving results to a user, a store, and a manufacturer / seller when a store user brings a shopping bag and makes a purchase. A means for collecting information that the user has made a purchase with a shopping bag at the store, and a means for imposing a prize on the user according to the collected information. The return of profits to the user 3 encourages the use of shopping bags and promotes resource saving.
JP 2002-245154 A

  As a resource-saving service aimed at reducing plastic shopping bags, a point card is issued and points are issued to users who use their own shopping bags. There are services that offer discounts such as price discounts, but when such a point-based service is adopted, depending on the cost of the construction of the system, equipment, etc. required for issuing point cards, and the accumulated points The cost of the discount on the store side when the predetermined amount is discounted from the purchase price, the human burden as the store side operation work associated with the point grant, and the user side if different points are adopted for each store Due to the inconvenience of having to carry multiple point cards, it was not easy to spread and could not achieve its purpose.

  According to the invention according to Patent Document 1, the problem is solved, resource saving is promoted, and a service capable of allocating the result of the resource saving to any of a user, a store, and a manufacturer / seller is provided. However, in reality, there is no fact that such services have become widespread, and in order to realize this service, all cooperation among users, shops, manufacturers and distributors is required. Since it is necessary and the infrastructure development and adjustment between these persons is complicated and difficult, a simpler and more realistic service is desired.

The invention according to Patent Document 1 is a service performed using an identification code assigned to a user, and a barcode is used to display the identification code.
A bar code is a code that represents data using a bar code symbol, which is a striped pattern of black and white vertical bars. In recent years, a bar code symbol has been replaced by a rewritable storage device. An IC chip equipped with is attracting attention.
This IC chip has a larger amount of information held in (1) than a barcode used in the past, (2) can be recognized even if it is not directly visible, and (3) information can be rewritten. It has features such as being able to.
An IC chip having such characteristics can be used for, for example, management at the production site, distribution stage, sales stage, disposal / recycling stage, logistics management, etc. It has the potential to be used.

  Therefore, the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems related to resource saving service by using the above-described IC chip, and to reduce the use of plastic bags for environmental protection and resource protection at a low cost with a simple configuration. It is another object of the present invention to provide an eco bag that can be realized immediately and an information management system using the eco bag.

  The present invention can solve the above-described problems by the following means.

Claim 1 of the present invention provides
An eco bag characterized in that an IC chip mounting medium on which an IC chip having a recording function for recording the number of times the eco bag is used is mounted.

In the invention according to this claim, an IC chip mounting medium having a recording function for recording the number of times the eco bag is used is attached to the eco bag.

Eco bags are supermarkets, convenience stores, other retail stores, dealers, etc., instead of using bags made of polyethylene, etc., called plastic bags for storing purchased products, instead of being used for shopping instead. This refers to bags and bags that are the property of consumers, and is used for the purpose of reducing plastic bags for environmental protection and resource protection.
In addition, recently, in addition to the designation of eco bag, what is called my bag in the sense of a consumer's own shopping bag is also seen, the eco bag in the present invention includes this my bag, All bags and bags that are used for the purpose of reducing shopping bags and are used repeatedly for shopping instead of shopping bags are included.

Eco bags are not limited to bags that are sold or distributed as shopping bags in specific stores, for example, but include all bags that are widely used for shopping. Shopping bags that are sold and distributed in other stores are also included.
Further, the present invention is not limited to shopping, and even bags that are sold, distributed, or used for other purposes are included as long as they are used for shopping.

Eco bags can be any material, shape, and size that can be used to store purchased products at supermarkets, convenience stores, other retail stores, and retail stores. For example, plastic bags are made of resin such as cloth or vinyl. Products that are open at the top and have handle portions are examples of shopping bags that are commonly used, but those designed by designers and those designed by consumers themselves The material, shape and size may be used.

Note that the eco bag can be replaced with a different material, shape, design, or the like according to the cumulative count of the number of times of use described later.
When changing according to the cumulative count number, the eco bag itself may be changed. For example, every 1000 counts, it may be possible to change to an eco bag with a different design that looks more ecological.
Further, instead of changing the eco bag itself, a predetermined display or the like may be attached to the eco bag according to the accumulated count number.
For example, it is possible to distribute certificates, badges, key chains, etc. to users and attach them to eco bags.

The privilege according to the cumulative count of the number of times of use may not include a discount for the purchase price at the time of shopping.
In other words, no financial discount is given, and only the benefits in the form of giving the added value of the eco bag by exchanging the eco bag itself or displaying it on the eco bag.

Like the point-based services that have been used in the past, each supermarket or store has a discount on the purchase price according to the cumulative number of points given to eco-bag users. It was a burden.

In particular, it is a heavy burden for small retail stores such as private stores, and nonetheless, there is almost no merit that can be enjoyed by information obtained from point services such as market information and store visit information.
For this reason, there are many stores that do not adopt the conventional point service, which has also prevented the spread of eco-bags.

In addition, large stores and supermarkets that use conventional point-based services can already obtain market information, etc., using systems that use their own point cards, etc. Since the eco bag according to the present invention is used, there is little need for further reductions such as discounts to the users.
Rather, since it is important to spread eco-bags with a simpler mechanism, services that can enjoy the benefits fairly not only for large stores and supermarkets but also for private stores are desired.

In consideration of such circumstances, the eco bag according to the present invention may not dare to give a financial discount to the user.

An IC chip mounting medium is a medium on which an IC chip is mounted. The IC chip mounting medium facilitates the mounting of the IC chip on the eco bag and protects the IC chip mounted on the eco bag. This is to prevent damage to the IC chip from water, heat, and the like.

An IC chip is a surface of a semiconductor substrate or an insulating substrate, or an inside of a semiconductor substrate, which has a shape such as an ultra-compact chip in which an electronic circuit is configured with elements including semiconductor elements. In addition to being difficult to attach directly to the eco bag, there is a high possibility of damaging the substrate or electronic circuit even if it is attached.
Therefore, after the IC chip is mounted on the IC chip mounting medium, it is attached to the eco bag.

The IC chip mounting medium may be of any material and shape as long as the IC chip can be easily attached to the eco bag and the IC chip attached to the eco bag can be protected. .

Examples of the material include paper, fiber, wood, resin, metal, natural materials such as shells, horns, and skins.
The shape may be any size as long as it can be easily attached to the eco bag and does not hinder the use of the eco bag.

Note that the IC chip includes not only a built-in memory for storing data but also a built-in CPU together with the memory.

The IC chip mounting medium may be attached to the eco bag at any location as long as there is no problem in using the eco bag.
For example, it may be at any place such as the handle portion of the eco bag, the front portion, the side portion, etc. of the eco bag.
Further, when the purchased product is stored in the eco bag, it may be the bottom portion of the eco bag as long as the IC chip mounting medium is attached so as not to be broken or damaged.

The IC chip mounting medium can be attached to the eco bag by sewing, pasting, attaching by crimping, winding, fitting, bonding, etc., and mounting so that the IC chip mounting medium cannot be easily removed from the eco bag. Any method may be used as long as possible.

The number of times an eco bag is used refers to the number of times that an eco bag is used when a product purchased at a retail store or retail store is put in the eco bag instead of a plastic bag and the product is taken home. It doesn't matter which is, and the quantity or price of the purchased product doesn't matter.
If it is a method of using an eco bag that is used for the purpose of “reducing plastic bags for environmental protection and resource protection”, which is the purpose of use of the eco bag, it is recorded as the number of times the eco bag is used.

The number of times of use is recorded on the IC chip by a counting device provided with reading means and writing means described later.
The number of times of use may be only the number of times the eco bag has been used, or may include used store information such as the recording date and time, the name of the store using the eco bag, etc. Hereinafter, when simply described as “number of times of use”, only the number of times the eco bag has been used, or the recording date and time of recording the number of times of use and the number of times of use, the name of the store using the eco bag, the purchase price, the purchased item, etc. Means both, including).

However, the number of uses in the present invention does not include personal information such as the name, address, and telephone number of the user of the eco bag.
In recent years, various problems have arisen regarding the handling of personal information, and there are many cases where the user does not want to present personal information because of fear of leakage of personal information.

Moreover, although it is personal information required in order to recognize and identify an individual, the case where a user inputs false information is also considered.
When false information is input in this way, personal information does not make sense.
Therefore, the number of uses in the present invention does not include any personal information.

By handling only the number of times of use, it is possible to reduce the capacity of information to be recorded, and not only the IC chip can be miniaturized, but also a count device described later, and an information management system using an eco bag can be simply configured. And can be realized at low cost.

As described above, by attaching an IC chip with a recording function to the eco bag, even if the IC chip attached to the eco bag is not directly visible from the outside, information recorded on the IC chip can be easily communicated, Since a lot of information can be rewritten many times, it is possible to provide an eco bag equipped with an optimal recording function for repeated use.

Claim 2 of the present invention provides
The IC chip mounting medium is
Attached to the mounting member,
An eco bag characterized in that the mounting member is detachably attached to the eco bag.

The attachment member facilitates attachment of the IC chip mounting medium to the eco bag, and is detachably provided on the eco bag.
In the invention according to this claim, the IC chip mounting medium is not directly attached to the eco bag as in the invention according to claim 1, but after the IC chip mounting medium is attached to the attachment member, the attachment member is attached to the eco bag. It is intended to be attached to.

According to this, in the eco bag according to claim 1, since the IC chip mounting medium is attached so as not to be easily removed from the eco bag, the eco bag once attached with the IC chip mounting medium must be continuously used. In the eco bag according to the present invention, the IC chip mounting medium can be removed by removing the attachment member, and the problem that only the specific eco bag has to be used can be solved.

In recent years, even though eco bags are possessed and used by fashion senses, consumers can use a plurality of eco bags in accordance with the mood of the day.
Thereby, it can be expected that various eco-bags suitable for the user's preference will be spread, and at the same time, it can be expected to promote the use of eco-bags.

Moreover, the IC chip mounting medium attached to the eco bag is subjected to pressure and impact depending on what is contained in the eco bag.
Furthermore, it is conceivable that the IC chip breaks down or is damaged by being exposed to heat or water.
Therefore, the mounting member is intended to protect the IC chip and the IC chip mounting medium.

The mounting member is used to facilitate the attachment / detachment of the IC chip mounting medium from the eco bag, to solve the above problems, and to achieve the above purpose. The material, shape and size may be used.

The material may be, for example, paper, fiber, wood, resin, metal, shellfish / horn / skin, and any material can be used as long as it achieves the above purpose.
Moreover, any size and shape may be used as long as they can be easily attached to the eco bag and do not hinder the use of the eco bag.
For example, a widespread one such as a patch, a badge, a key ring, or a strap may be used.

The attachment member may be attached by any method as long as the attachment member is detachably attached to the eco bag.
For example, the attachment member and the eco bag may be attached with a button and a button hole, or may be attached with Velcro (registered trademark), a magnet, or the like.
Further, if it is not required to be easy to attach and detach and easy to use, it may be attached by sewing or an adhesive.
In addition, the eco bag may be provided with mounting grooves and holes, or it may be attached to the handle part of the eco bag by the ring part of the key holder, such as a key holder, regardless of the special mounting method. It may be by the method.

Claim 3 of the present invention provides
The IC chip mounting medium is
An eco bag characterized by being an IC tag.

The invention according to this claim uses an IC tag as an IC chip mounting medium.
An IC tag includes an IC chip and an antenna. However, by providing an antenna together with an IC chip, information can be transmitted in a non-contact manner.

Thereby, the number of uses recorded on the IC chip can be read and written even at a distance between a counting device (to be described later) and the eco bag.
Note that the IC tag includes all devices including an IC chip and an antenna regardless of the presence or absence of a battery or a power source, an electromagnetic wave transmission method, a communication method, or the like.

Claim 4 of the present invention provides
The IC chip mounting medium is
Excellent in water resistance, heat resistance, flexibility, elasticity,
By washing and cleaning the eco bag,
An eco bag characterized in that it is treated so as not to drop off, break or break.

In the invention according to this claim, the IC chip mounting medium is excellent in water resistance, heat resistance, flexibility, and elasticity, and has been subjected to a treatment that does not drop, break, or break even when washing and cleaning the eco bag. Is used.

By using such an IC chip mounting medium, the eco bag can be washed with the IC chip mounting medium attached, which is hygienic.
Even if it is a shopping bag, dirt is attached by repeated use.
Therefore, the eco bag to which the IC chip mounting medium is attached can be washed as it is.

Claim 5 of the present invention provides
The IC chip mounting medium is
An eco bag characterized by being an RFID tag.

The invention according to this claim uses an RFID tag using an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, which is a non-contact automatic recognition technology, as an IC chip mounting medium.

This RFID technology transmits and receives information by wireless communication using a frequency in a specific band, has little influence of communication due to noise, and has a long communication distance even if the battery is not built in the tag. There is an advantage that no replacement is required.

The communication distance depends on the gain of the antenna provided on the tag side, the operating voltage of the chip, and the surrounding environment, but the RFID device using this RFID technology separated the counting device (described later) from the eco bag. Even at a distance, the number of uses recorded on the IC chip can be read and written accurately, and the number of uses can be accurately read and written at a time for a plurality of eco bags.
In particular, the checkout counter is crowded at the time of accounting, but the purpose of promoting the use of the eco bag cannot be achieved if the congestion is spurred by the work of recording the number of times the eco bag is used.

Therefore, non-contact communication distance is long, the number of times of use can be read and written without adjusting the eco bag to a specific position and direction, and even when using multiple eco bags However, if you can read and write accurately at once, you can use the eco bag without affecting the congestion.
This is a great advantage for both eco-bag users and stores such as supermarkets and shops.

However, due to operational problems when using the eco bag according to the present invention, it is conceivable to set so as to require a short communication distance or to adjust the eco bag to a specific position and direction.
For example, the user's eco-bag lined up behind the same check-in counter may be mistakenly read, the user's eco-bag lined up in the adjacent check-out counter may be read incorrectly, and further, The longer the communication distance is, such as when the eco bag is erroneously read, and the more communicable directions, the more even the eco bag that is not the target is read.

Therefore, for example, it is conceivable to set the communication distance to be as short as 30 cm or about 5 to 10 cm, or to match a specific position or direction.
In general, since the communication distance is proportional to the size of the IC tag, not only the merit that only the target eco bag can be read by deliberately shortening the communication distance, but also the IC tag is downsized. Furthermore, there is an advantage that the antenna unit of the counting device described later can also be reduced in size.

Claim 6 of the present invention provides
An antenna unit for transmitting and receiving information to and from the IC chip;
An input / output processing unit for reading and writing the number of times of use to the IC chip;
A control unit that controls reading and writing of the number of times of use to the IC chip;
A counting device characterized by comprising:

The invention according to the present invention relates to a counting device that communicates with an IC chip attached to an eco bag and reads and writes the number of times the eco bag is used with the IC chip.

The counting device includes an antenna unit, an input / output processing unit, and a control unit.
The antenna unit transmits and receives information recorded on the IC chip to and from the IC chip.

The antenna in the counting device only needs to be able to transmit and receive information to and from the IC chip attached to the eco bag brought by the user when passing through the cashier counter, for example, within a communication distance of 30 cm and It may be oriented only in a specific direction.
Furthermore, as an optimal communication distance, if the communication distance is as short as about 5 to 10 cm, there is no risk of erroneously reading the user's eco bag lined up behind the same checkout counter, and the user consciously By bringing the eco bag closer to the antenna unit of the counting device, the number of uses can be read and written reliably.

If the IC chip mounting medium attached to the user's eco bag is equipped with an antenna like an IC tag and can send and receive information by wireless communication in a non-contact manner, the antenna unit is provided in the counting device. However, if the IC chip mounting medium is not equipped with an antenna but only an IC chip, the antenna unit is configured separately from the counting device. For example, the handheld type (handy type) You may comprise by these.

Regardless of whether or not the IC chip is a non-contact type, the counting device may be any type of device such as a stationary type, a hand-held type (handy type), or a gate type in consideration of convenience. And
Communication with the IC chip of the counting device may be performed by the user of the eco bag or by the operator of the register counter instead of the user.

The input / output processing unit inputs / outputs the number of times the eco bag is recorded on the IC chip and other information.
Specifically, the number of times of use of the eco bag recorded on the IC chip is read, and the number of uses added to the read number of uses is written to the IC chip.

The control unit controls reading and writing of the number of uses to the IC chip, and is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and issues a command to write the number of uses after addition to the IC chip.

When the counting device includes a display unit to be described later, a command for displaying the read usage count is issued.
Further, when the counting device includes a storage unit to be described later, a command for recording the number of uses is issued.

The counting device itself may be a single device, or may be a device that is integrated with an accounting device such as a cash register or a POS terminal.

Claim 7 of the present invention provides
The control unit is
A counting device comprising a recording prohibition function that does not record the number of uses for a predetermined time from the latest recording date and time read from the IC chip.

According to the present invention, the control unit has a recording prohibition function that does not record the number of uses for a predetermined time from the latest recording date and time when the number of uses after addition is recorded on the IC chip. Is.

Since the number of times of use to the IC chip is automatically recorded, it is also possible to make the eco bag close to the vicinity of the counting device and record the number of times of use illegally.
Therefore, in order to solve this problem, the counting device according to this claim has a recording prohibition function in the control unit, determines the latest recording date and time when the number of uses read from the IC chip is recorded, and determines the latest recording date. In the predetermined time from the date and time, the number of uses is not recorded at all.

Thereby, unauthorized recording of the number of times of use can be prevented, and normal use of the eco bag can be managed.
This recording prohibition function can be set in advance and can be changed, for example, the use count cannot be recorded for 10 minutes from the latest recording date and time of the use count.

Claim 8 of the present invention provides
A counting device comprising a display unit for displaying the number of times an eco bag is read from the IC chip.

The counting device according to the present invention is provided with a display unit so that the user of the eco bag can know the cumulative use count of the eco bag.

The display unit may be configured integrally with the counting device or may be configured separately.
Examples of the display unit include a liquid crystal type, a plasma type, an LED type, and the like. Any display may be used, and voice display may be used together with or instead of the display.
In the case of this notification by voice, it is performed by providing a speaker integrally with or separately from the counting device.

Incidentally, when the counting device does not include a display unit, the cumulative usage count may be displayed on a cash register, a screen display of a POS terminal, or a screen display unit.
Thereby, the user of the eco bag can see the accumulated usage count of the eco bag in the same display section together with the total amount of the purchased price.

Claim 9 of the present invention provides
The counting device is
A storage unit,
A counting device having the storage unit is connected to a host computer,
An information management system using an eco bag, characterized in that the number of uses of the eco bag recorded in the storage unit can be tabulated and recorded by the host computer.

According to the present invention, the counting device is provided with a storage unit for recording the number of times the eco bag is used by the user, and the information recorded in the storage unit is recorded and aggregated by the host computer. It is something that can be done.

The storage unit may be configured integrally by being incorporated in or connected to the counting device, or may be configured as a means for recording on a recording medium instead of recording in the counting device.

Examples of the storage unit integrally configured by being built-in or connected include, for example, a storage device such as a RAM and an external storage device such as a hard disk. Any one can be used as long as it can be stored.

Examples of the recording medium include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, MO, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW), magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, etc., but any recording medium that records magnetically or optically may be used.

The counting device can be connected to the host computer by any connection method such as a telephone line, a dedicated line, or a communication line, regardless of whether it is wired or wireless.
In addition, when each count device is connected to a server through a LAN in a store, for example, the case where the count device is connected to a host computer via this server is also included.

In addition, when the counting device is integrated with an accounting processing device such as a cash register or a POS terminal, the host computer is connected to the accounting processing device so that the host computer can count the counting device. The case where the record information can be communicated from the storage unit provided in the above is included.

The “use count” of the eco bag collected and recorded by the host computer may be simply the use count, the recording date and time when the use count is recorded as well as the use count, the name of the store using the eco bag, and the purchase price. In addition, use store information such as purchased items may be included.
This makes it possible to analyze, investigate, etc., the use status of the eco bag using various information recorded in the counting device.

Claim 10 of the present invention provides
The eco bag,
Said counting device;
An information management system using an eco bag characterized by comprising:

The invention according to the present invention provides an information management system using the eco bag, which includes the eco bag and the counting device.

The eco bag and the counting device used in this system use the above-described eco bag and the counting device.
As a result, the reduction of shopping bags for environmental protection and resource protection can be realized at low cost and immediately with a simple configuration.

  1) Plastic bag reduction for environmental protection and resource protection can be realized quickly and practically with a simple configuration.

  2) Since there is no need for any burden on the store side as a point-based service, such as a point-based service, there is no need for labor for the operation, labor costs associated therewith, and congestion at the cashier counter. By eliminating the use of the eco bag according to the present invention, there is no burden of operation, and the checkout speed is not reduced, so it does not cause congestion of the cashier counter, and there are obstacles and disadvantages due to the spread of eco bags. It does not occur at all.

  3) By attaching an IC chip with a recording function to the eco bag, even if the IC chip attached to the eco bag is not directly visible from the outside, the information recorded on the IC chip can be easily communicated and a lot of information Can be rewritten many times, so that it is possible to provide an eco bag equipped with an optimum recording function for repeated use.

  4) Since the IC chip mounting medium is detachably attached to the eco bag by the mounting member, it can be used by being replaced with a plurality of eco bags, and various eco bags suitable for the user's preference can be widely used. It can be expected, and at the same time, it can be expected to promote the use of eco-bags.

  5) By attaching an IC tag including an IC chip and an antenna to an eco bag, the number of uses recorded on the IC chip can be read and written even at a distance between the counting device and the eco bag.

  6) By using an IC chip mounting medium that is excellent in water resistance, heat resistance, flexibility, and elasticity, and has been treated so that it does not fall off, break, or break even when washing and cleaning an eco bag. The eco bag can be washed with the attached, and it is hygienic.

  7) By attaching the RFID tag to the eco bag, the communication distance is long, and the eco bag can be read and written without having to adjust the eco bag to a specific position or direction. Even if you bring your own, you can use the eco bag without affecting the congestion if you can read and write accurately at once.

  8) By providing a recording prohibition function in the control unit of the counting device, it is possible to prevent any number of usages from being recorded within a predetermined time from the latest recording date and time, and to prevent unauthorized recording of usages. You can manage the use of various eco-bags.

  9) Since the display device is provided in the counting device, the eco-bag user can know the accumulated use count of the eco-bag, and a privilege is given to the eco-bag user according to the accumulated use count. If so, it can lead to the promotion of eco-bags.

  10) By connecting the counting device including the storage unit to the host computer, it is possible to analyze and investigate the usage status of the eco bag using various information recorded in the counting device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings of the examples.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an eco bag showing an embodiment of the eco bag according to the present invention.

The eco bag is attached with an RFID tag 1 having an IC chip and an antenna.
The RFID tag 1 was sewn on the back surface of a plate-like leather mounting member 2.
The attachment member 2 was sewn to the lower part of the side surface of the eco bag.

The attachment position of the attachment member 2 to the eco bag is not limited to this embodiment, and the RFID tag 1 must be damaged or damaged by the product that is attached to the eco bag and has no trouble in using the eco bag. For example, it may be installed in any place.
For example, it may be any part such as a handle part of an eco bag, a front part, a side part, or a lower part of the eco bag.
In this embodiment, the attachment member 2 is attached to the side of the eco bag and to the bottom so that the counting device can easily read the IC chip.

As for the attachment method of the attachment member 2 to the eco bag and the attachment method of the RFID tag 1 to the attachment member 2, any method other than the method of sewing, attaching, pressing, winding, fitting, adhesion, etc. It is also good.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of an embodiment of the counting device according to the present invention.

The counting device includes an antenna unit, an input / output processing unit, a control unit, and a display unit.
The antenna unit is incorporated in the counting device, and is directed only in a specific direction so as to be able to communicate only with the user of the eco bag passing through the cashier counter and has a communication distance of about 30 cm.

The display unit is configured integrally with the counting device, and is based on a liquid crystal display that is visible only to eco-bag users who pass through the cashier counter.
The counting device is not a device configured integrally with a device that performs accounting processing, such as a cash register or a POS terminal, but is configured by itself.

The input / output processing unit reads the number of times of use of the eco bag recorded on the IC chip and performs a process of writing the number of times of use added to the read number of times of use to the IC chip.
The control unit is constituted by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and issues a command for reading the usage count to the IC chip and a command for writing the usage count after adding the usage count to the read usage count to the IC chip.

Also, a command to display the read usage count is issued.
Further, the control unit includes a recording prohibition function that does not record the number of uses for a predetermined time from the latest recording date and time when the read number of uses is recorded.

Hereinafter, a flow in which a user obtains an eco bag and performs shopping using the eco bag will be described.

Eco bags may be distributed to users at retail stores such as stores, supermarkets, department stores, etc., and other items that are prepared in advance at the cashier counter, reception desk, and information counter of stores where users shop. It may be mailed to the user's home by mail.

In this way, the user obtains the eco bag.
In addition, instead of the eco bag, only the RFID tag 1 or only the attachment member 2 to which the RFID tag 1 is attached may be obtained.

In this case, the RFID tag 1 or the mounting member 2 is provided to the user in advance at a cashier counter, a reception counter, a guidance counter, or the like of a retail store such as a store, a supermarket, or a department store, or a store where a user shop. It may be distributed or mailed to the user's home by mail.
Then, the RFID tag 1 or the attachment member 2 is attached to the eco bag by the user's own hand.

Users bring these eco bags and go to each supermarket and store to shop.
The user who puts the product to be purchased in the cart or basket and goes to the cashier counter, after the operator totals the price of the merchandise and settles it, approaches the eco bag possessed by the counter device arranged in parallel with the cashier counter, Add usage count.

The addition of the number of times of use may be performed by the user of the eco bag or by the operator of the cashier counter.
In addition, it may be while the operator is totaling the price of the product, not after the price of the product is collected and settled. If the counting device is arranged in parallel with the cashier counter, the user can Any timing may be used as long as it can be performed before passing through.

However, since the number of times of use is automatically recorded, it is possible to make the eco bag close to the vicinity of the counting device and to record the number of times of use illegally.
Therefore, the count device sets a recording prohibition function in advance so that the usage count cannot be recorded for 10 minutes from the latest recording date and time of the usage count.

Thereby, even if the user passes the vicinity of another cash register counter after finishing shopping, the number of times of use is not illegally added.
And a user accommodates the purchased product in an eco bag instead of a shopping bag and takes it home.

It is a perspective view of the eco bag which shows one Example of the eco bag which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of one Example of the counting device based on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 RFID tag 2 Mounting member

Claims (10)

An eco bag characterized in that an IC chip mounting medium having an IC chip having a recording function for recording the number of times the eco bag is used is attached. The IC chip mounting medium is
Attached to the mounting member,
The eco bag according to claim 1, wherein the attachment member is detachably provided on the eco bag. The IC chip mounting medium is
The eco bag according to claim 1, wherein the eco bag is an IC tag. The IC chip mounting medium is
Excellent in water resistance, heat resistance, flexibility, elasticity,
By washing and cleaning the eco bag,
The eco bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a treatment that does not drop, break, or break is applied. The IC chip mounting medium is
The eco bag according to claim 1, wherein the eco bag is an RFID tag. An antenna unit for transmitting and receiving information to and from the IC chip;
An input / output processing unit for reading and writing the number of times of use to the IC chip;
A control unit that controls reading and writing of the number of times of use to the IC chip;
A counting device comprising: The control unit is
7. The counting apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a recording prohibition function that does not record the number of uses for a predetermined time from the latest recording date and time read from the IC chip. The counting device according to claim 6, further comprising a display unit that displays the number of times the eco bag is read from the IC chip. The counting device is
A storage unit,
A counting device having the storage unit is connected to a host computer,
The information management system using the eco bag according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the host computer can count and record the number of times the eco bag is recorded in the storage unit. The eco bag,
Said counting device;
The information management system using the eco bag according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by comprising: